Electronic Lock for Shared Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shared vehicle locks cannot be used to temporarily lock a vehicle without ending a trip, leading to inconvenience when users need to stop for a short time, as they must end the trip and risk the vehicle being ridden by others if left unattended.
Innovation Solution
An electronic lock with a rope winded disc, sliding lock block, and controlling device that allows users to lock the vehicle without ending the trip, using a sensor, printed circuit board, and motor for automatic locking and unlocking, connected to a management platform via an APP for user control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the user locks the vehicle to prevent unauthorized use during a short break, then the vehicle security is improved, but the trip must be ended and charging starts again, increasing time loss and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into two independent parts: the original vehicle lock (first lock hole) for trip management, and the electronic lock (second lock hole) for temporary security. This segmentation allows the user to engage the electronic lock without affecting the trip status, resolving the contradiction between security and trip continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic lock acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the vehicle during short breaks. It provides the security function needed during the break without triggering trip termination, serving as a mediator that satisfies both security requirements and trip continuity needs.
2Loss of time
If the user leaves the vehicle unlocked for a short time, then the trip continues without interruption, but the vehicle may be ridden by others, reducing security
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the locking function into two separate systems (original lock and electronic lock), the user can maintain trip continuity with the original lock while engaging the electronic lock for security during the break, eliminating the need to choose between security and continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic lock provides localized security enhancement at the locking mechanism level without affecting the overall trip management system. This local quality improvement allows security to be enhanced in the specific context of short breaks without disrupting trip continuity.
3Loss of time
If the user finds another available vehicle when the original is taken, then the trip can continue, but time is lost searching for and moving to another vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic lock enables the user to secure the vehicle in advance during short breaks, preventing it from being taken by others. This preliminary action ensures vehicle availability when the user returns, eliminating the need to search for alternative vehicles and the associated time loss.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to temporarily lock shared vehicles without ending the trip, preventing unauthorized use and improving user experience by allowing seamless continuation of the ride without needing to find another vehicle, while maintaining independent operation from the vehicle's original lock and charging system.
Implementation Method 1
The sliding lock block is disposed inside the lock shell through a spring
Implementation Method 2
The motor may be disposed inside the lock shell and electrically connected with the printed circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic lock includes a lock shell, a rope winded disc, a lock rope head, a sliding lock block, and a controlling and driving device. The lock shell has a first lock hole and an insertion hole. A lock rope is winded at the rope winded disc, and the lock rope is operatively pulled out from the rope winded disc or returns inside the rope winded disc. The lock rope head is inserted into the insertion hole and connected with one end of the lock rope. The sliding lock block is disposed inside the lock shell through a spring, and one end of the sliding lock block is placed in the first lock hole.